IRMO — Community members and advocates gathered Thursday, January 29, at the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and St. Andrews Road for a peaceful protest opposing the actions and policies of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Organizers said the Irmo protest was part of a broader national response to what they described as a growing pattern of misinformation, intimidation, and violence directed at immigrant communities and those who support them.
“Enough is enough,” said protest organizer Julie Zimmerman, a Democratic candidate for State House District 71. She said ICE and the Department of Homeland Security had become “an occupying force” and accused federal agencies of separating families and harming communities. Zimmerman said state and federal leaders needed to understand that protesters wanted ICE removed from local communities.
Zimmerman said she viewed the protest as a moral obligation.
“As a proud American, I know I have an obligation to stand up to a tyrannical government, and that is exactly what we are seeing,” she said. “I am asking my fellow Americans to stand with us. Join us in solidarity.”
She also referenced her faith, saying that Christian teachings called on people to welcome immigrants and speak truth to power, which she said motivated the peaceful demonstration.
Participants also called attention to what organizers described as false claims by the Trump administration regarding recent protests in Minneapolis, arguing that the statements mischaracterized peaceful demonstrations and obscured what they said was the human toll of recent immigration enforcement actions.
“It’s about targeting political dissent,” said Steven Asbill, a candidate for State House District 85. “It’s not about lawful immigration. As a follower of Christ and a patriot, our choice must be to stand up for all human life and show the world we still defend liberty in the United States.”
For more information, organizers listed Julie Zimmerman at 803-529-1484 or [email protected], and Steven Asbill at 803-528-7859 or [email protected]
Photo is poster from Events Facebook page
